On Taking Chances.
Life is a series of calculated risks – nothing more. Everything that you decide to do has a margin of risk. No outcome is ever 100 percent certain and, therefore, any attempt at anything has a chance of complete failure no matter how much you've been guaranteed.
We risk everything, every day of our lives without knowing it. There is always a chance that walking outside will kill us. There's always a possibility that something unexpected could pop up even with a tight and comprehensive plan in hand.
However, we take chances, not because we hope to fail, but because we believe in that minute chance that things might and will go our way. After all, if we don't try, we'll never get to know. So, we take hold of opportunities, we startup businesses, we learn a skill, we learn to trust people, we get into new relationships and we make plans to help us achieve success at whatever we do.
On the far extreme, the consequences of not taking chances in life can be damning. First off, no one has ever done anything by not doing anything. Also, you miss 100% of the shots you do not take, and that's not a great way to live.
This post is a short reminder and a challenge to take calculated risks every day.
- Risk not getting the job by applying for that job first. -- Risking not getting the job is the same as risking actually landing it.
- Risk taking the road less traveled. -- Less traveled roads have much richer plunders, I've heard.
- Risk getting rejected and turned down. -- You'll have a better chance at receiving a yes than not asking at all.
- Risk failing at business, a new project, a new skill -- Failing is both the worst and the best thing that can happen to you. You get better every time.
- Risk missing out in order to achieve something greater. -- Not everything is meant for you. Also, JOMO (The Joy of missing out) really exists if you're patient and committed to what you love to do.
- Risk putting yourself out there to be judged. -- Not every opinion will matter in the end. However, some opinions will matter and these are the ones that build you.
- Risk admitting that you're wrong or you don't know.-- You won't ever be the same again. Trust me.
- Risk being vulnerable at times. -- Chances are, someone will love and accept you, just the way you are.
Don't allow waiting to become a habit. Life is happening now.
Whatever you do, be sure to take calculated chances in life. Not only is it the only way to not remain stagnant and die off, It's the only way to achieve, to win.